The Gospel of John presents us with a very strong Jesus and that wraps us around the psychology, the theology, and the politics of Christianity. It is strong and not for the faint hearted.
The psychology of Jesus
The dialogues in the Gospel are almost, rude. Jesus is telling people, "Get up and walk", "feed my sheep", "I am the light of the world." This is not a diplomatic Jesus who seems to want to know what people think. This is a strong willed, confident Jesus who is quick to say what needs to be said regardless of the result and most of the time he is talking past the people in conversation with him.
The theology of Jesus
The images of John give us a sense that Jesus and the Word are one and the same; that the creator and the created are one. Jesus is the way the truth and the life. No one comes to God but by him. Jesus and God are parts of the same substance. Jesus' theology in John's Gospel is bold and unapologetic.
The politics of Jesus
The confrontations of Jesus in John's Gospel are also abrupt. There is something in him that does not back away from the imperative to be his followers. He washes the disciples feet at the last supper (only in John's Gospel) and he commands his followers to be servants.
The politics, the theology, and the psychology of Jesus present some things that are exciting but a little frightening.
I don't think Jesus was really as John depicts him. What do you think?
If you have alternative ideas I am happy to read them. Write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net. If you are willing to share your thoughts with others click on the 'comments' box below.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Charles Schuster
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